A. To what extent did Hitler achieve a social revolution in Germany?
Your job is to construct a group essay that will effectively answer the above question. You will need to consider the concept of 'volksgemeinschaft' and the extent to which it was achieved in Nazi Germany, in relation to society. In this case we will focus on three areas: religion, women & youth/education.
1. Thinking - Watch the video below. Consider: What are the ethical arguments for and against? Is this a 'revolutionary' policy? This video is in Lesson 35 in S drive.

history_channel__historys_mysteries__the_lebensborn_part_2_of_5.mp4 | |
File Size: | 24110 kb |
File Type: | mp4 |
2. Download this research frame. in order to decide whether Hitler achieved his revolution we need to consider what he was aiming to achieve in his new society. First step is therefore to listen to a short definition by Professor Stephenson and complete Step 1 of the research grid.
Professor Stephenson lecture
Professor Stephenson lecture

nazi_social_policy_grid.docx | |
File Size: | 29 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3. Research. You have been allocated one of the three themes that have been selected for discussion in this essay. Using your version of the essay plan, you need to research the area you have been allocated.. Relevant resource below.
A - Youth and Education
- To what extent did the Nazis succeed in winning the hearts and minds of the German Youth?
- Boys v Girls - methods and success of control
- Nazism and the education system
- Resistance to youth policy
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B - Women
- How successful were the Nazis in implementing their policy towards women?
- More successful in comparison to men?
- Key policies towards women
- How did Nazi attitudes towards women fit into existing attitudes in Germany?
- How far was Nazi policy unable to reconcile its social policy with its other political, economic and military ambitions?
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C - Religion and Churches
- To what extent was the position of the Church undermined by Nazi Policy towards religion ?
- Diversity of religion in Germany? Did different Churches behave/receive different treatment?
- What was the response of the Churches to Nazi interference?
- Did the Nazis succeed in creating a Nazi Church or a Nazi Religion?
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4. Share your findings: Review your notes with the rest of your group. Agree a final version and copy and paste into the shared doc here (once complete, make your own copy or c & p into your original document)
5. Visible Thinking Exercise on the Board
5. Visible Thinking Exercise on the Board
6. Complete the Dead Fish Essay Plan
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Extension:
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c. How successful were Hitler's Economic policies? Did they achieve Autarky?
The following resources will be used for this learning activity during class time. If you are catching up in your own time, focus on the 'Nazi Economic Policy Noted for Carousel' document.

nazi_economy_-_general_presentation.ppt.ppt | |
File Size: | 871 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
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B. How did the Nazi's Policies affect minorities?
The Nazi policy towards the Jews was obviously a cornerstone of both their ideology and the changes that they implemented in Germany. However, the concept of the 'Volksgemeinschaft was clealry more complex than simply identifying those who were not Jewish - it is therefore important to keep in mind the range of groups that would have constituted minorities in Nazi Germany (i.e. those who are designated outsiders by the concept of Volksgemeinschaft).
Lesson Resources:
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Sir Ian Kershaw Lecture - click below:
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Other minorities resources:
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D. How totalitarian was Nazi Germany?
Starter
In this final lesson, we are going to try and tie things together by considering the overall question:
Define “totalitarianism” and assess the extent to which it was achieved in Hitler’s Germany.
By the end of this lesson, we will seek to answer this question fully and plan a sample essay.
In this final lesson, we are going to try and tie things together by considering the overall question:
Define “totalitarianism” and assess the extent to which it was achieved in Hitler’s Germany.
By the end of this lesson, we will seek to answer this question fully and plan a sample essay.
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